By Noel Smith
Brandon Gruber, 19, is an achiever and a doer. In his young life he has overcome isolation and exclusion by his peers, been the 2015 homecoming king at Aptos High, started his own non-profit foundation called the 321Life +1 Project for which he has raised over $20,000 dollars and is living his life motto, “Never give up!”
Did we mention that Brandon has Down Syndrome?
According to his website (321Life.com), “The purpose of the 321Life +1 Project is to share information and resources for those raising a child with Down Syndrome help reach their full potential and maximize their lives. First awareness, then great things can happen!” The 321 is in reference to the trisomy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome. According to Gruber the +1 indicates change and the addition of others.
Gruber has raised money for his foundation by selling cards and inventing fundraisers. Such as the one on Sunday, March 20 at Rocky’s Fitness Center 4135 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. Gym owner Rocky Snyder, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, will be offering two workouts at 9 and 10 a.m. to anyone who donates to Gruber’s 321Life +1 Project.
In addition to the workouts, 321Life+1 Project is also hosting a silent auction starting at 8 a.m. with tables closing at 11:30 a.m. Some of the items up for auction include overnight stays, golf packages, and a signed 49er’s football, as well as gift certificates from local businesses. Be here for the raffles @ 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. featuring prizes from local businesses.
Of the funds he has raised to date, 100 percent have gone to 102 individuals. These donations cover costs associated with activities such as winter formals, proms, yearbooks, camps scholarships and recognition awards to students in Santa Cruz and Contra Costa Counties and the Bay Area.
In 2016 Brandon’s goal to increase the number of individuals helped, but more importantly to give access, opportunity and HOPE to those in need. You can get information about 321Life+1 Project by visiting their website www.321Life.com.
“Never give up, that’s my motto,” Gruber said. “People try to define who I am, but I’ll do that myself. It’s my mission to create change.”
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321Life+1 Project Fundraiser Rocky’s Fitness Center 4135 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz from 8 to noon.
Photo: Brandon working out with Rocky